05/13/2026
Well, it seems like we always have our hand out at the Manor and it's not a position we enjoy. Apologies for the long post, but here we go.
There are three sections to the Manor roof and it was all replaced in 1999 at a cost of $35,000, excluding the cupola. When the cupola was completely rebuilt in 2016 it was more than $40,000. The work that started Monday ($35,000) didn't include replacing the shingled section except the first section of shingles that adjoined the flat root. The eaves around the house are extra wide and there is a flat roof over them. All of that is being replaced along with the metal edging around the entire house and the area known as the "widow's walk."
Of course there is some additional work being done, as well as the expense of a lift, but the shingled area was not included in the original estimate.
We were hoping that part of the roof still had some life in it. Unfortunately, when the tear off began the roofers quickly realized the shingled area (which is not very steep) was at or very near the end of its life.
We have patiently waited for this project to begin and now here we are needing more work done. That is so often the case with older structures no matter their size. Once you get into something and the work begins, often more damage is exposed, and that appears to be the case.
To replace the shingled area is an additional $23,500 bringing the cost of an entire new roof to $58,500. Without a solid roof the condition of the rest of the house doesn't matter. We had hoped to be able to get the ceiling in Grant's bedroom fixed with our additional funds, and have a cushion to operate on, but the ceiling and other issues which are mostly cosmetic will have to wait. With a house this age there is always work to be done and so many times a project gets near the top of the list and has to go back to the bottom because another more serious issue arises.
Some will ask how long can we continue to preserve the house. Some will go so far as to ask if it is worth preserving. We received a lot of encouragement at last year's Holiday House to continue with the preservation of the house that so many people and organizations have made possible for seventy-four years. Individuals and organizations alike have been very generous with their donations
All that being said, we are $2,000 short of being able to complete this project. We will decide how to take care of other expenses the rest of the year as they arise. We took a risk and a leap of faith that we could raise the additional money needed to complete this project, and told the roofing company to go ahead with the additional repairs.
If everyone who follows the Manor here would give whatever they are able (no matter how small you may think it is) we could surpass our goal. We don't want to see the house go in the direction of so much of Cairo's history. We want it to continue to be a landmark. If you would like to be a part of this legacy we would appreciate your continued support.
God Bless you all 🙏🏼
